Donna's is my favorite bar in the Heights! The vibes here are immaculate. The retro 70's like…read moreinterior, bangin funk music and other cool jams on the vinyl, and the well crafted cocktails to match make this worth all the hype. Weekends definitely get busy here, but the energy is nonstop. The bartenders handle the crowd with ease and make great drink recommendations. If you're looking for something more chill, I'd still recommend coming here on a weekday during the day too. Drink wise I really liked their Good Will which was like a miso banana old fashioned. I also asked to make me something off menu, and I had a riff on a Bee's Knees. 10/10 recommend Donna's! The only small downside here is parking, but honestly parking is never the best in the Heights. If you come early enough, they do have a couple parking spots in front, otherwise it's street parking. But don't let this stop you from enjoying Donna's, it's worth it! Cheers!

We waited until the hype died down before checking out Donna's. The atmosphere lived up to the…read moretrendy, nostalgic vibes with vinyl records and moody lighting. Unfortunately, the experience left us wanting more. Donna's was packed when we arrived, so we waited by the bar before finding a couple of open seats. A server was quick to come by and take our drink order, but the wait for our drinks took even longer than it would've been to simply order directly from the bar. That really threw off the pacing of the night and made it impossible to settle into the experience. The drink menu also felt limited and wasn't as enticing given its connection to sister bar Anvil. Perhaps, this recent drink rotation didn't hit the mark, but Second Wind, East of Nowhere, Scenic Route, Moda Velha all felt underwhelming. That being said, the next menu rotation could be a hit and we'd be willing to give Donna a revisit.

It is a very fancy place to get drinks and it has a nice ambience, but the only caveat is that it…read moreis connected to a hotel. I went because this was the only bar open during Labor Day when I had guest visiting. So I would say it's a pretty nice location, considering the fact that it is always consistently open. They had a good menu with different cocktails that were fun and fruity. Otherwise, I did also see people could order coffee at the bar and have different espresso drinks. It looks like the drink that I ordered is also no longer on the menu. The bar prides itself on having a rotating meal changing menu so I think that's a lot of fun when it comes to trying new drinks and new combinations and it truly shows the artistry of the bartender. There was the option of both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior was more of a dimmer, elegant and darker tone. I can see it being pretty classic if you were to go at night time. The bar set up was really beautiful and they had different 2 to 4 seating wooden tables. Overall, the inside would probably only fit around 20 people. I was very sad because we couldn't sit outside. The day before it had rained so every outdoor seating was wet. But I was told that they had a beautiful seating outside with a garden and a pool. Service was good. The bartender came out of the bar to take orders, give menus and give you the check. I will say that it got really busy at the end and it took a while to get our check. There's only one or two bartenders working at one time so if there's multiple people with different drinks that are ordered, it will take a little bit longer. There is both valet parking and also street parking in the neighborhood nearby.

On a Friday evening, as the last stop of the evening, we walked over to Bar No. 3 for a nightcap…read more Located inside the Colombe d'Or Hotel in Montrose, Bar No. 3 is their hotel bar. Not hard to find, it's located to the right as you walk in. What brought us here is that it's listed as one of the top 50 bars in Houston in Houstonia Magazine. Service (3/5): While we had a waitress, she was slow to greet us and slow to check up on us. It's a small bar and there isn't a ton of seating so it's not like she was overwhelmed. For a fancy hotel, you expect better. Maybe sitting at the bar is better than sitting at some seats as we did. Ambiance (4/5): The Colombe d'Or is a beautiful hotel and Bar No. 3 reflects that. It's an elegant spot to grab a drink, although small. Food (N/A): While there are expensive items on the menu, I had dinner earlier that night so I was on a liquid diet. Drinks (3/5): Bar No. 3 is known for its cocktails so I focused on the cocktail list. The list isn't large but it features a nice selection. Like the food, you're going to pay a premium. I enjoyed my adult beverage but felt like it was a bit overpriced. Hitting up hotel bars isn't a common occurrence in Houston unless you're a traveler. For Bar No. 3 to be the only hotel bar on Houstonia's top 50 is a feat in itself.

what a magnificent lounge!! stunning interior design paired…read morewith exceptional craft cocktails. i popped in for happy hour during the week (m-f 4-6p) 1/2 off house cocktails the menus are gorgeous! i'm a sucker for unique elevated paper menus. the menus have a pearlized finish that makes them feel buttery and give a dreamy vibe. the service was great! no complaints at all. the bartender with red hair, made me a killer paloma ! the best i've had in a long while. this is a great spot for after work drinks, weekend hangs, etc. the inside and out are spacious, but there are intimate pockets. i definitely want to visit again, and see how this space handles larger crowds. if you're on the fence, let this be your push to the other side! bonné santé c.

Let me just say I forgot to take pics of the wonderful hidden gem. I grew up in the area many many…read moreyears ago and I had no idea what to expect. When you walk in the upscale bar sets you back and the bartenders and their expertise making cocktails is amazing. It is a little small inside but their patio area is definitely worth a visit. They are dog friendly and if you wanna catch a game there are plenty of TVs to help you out. This was an unexpected visit so again sorry I didn't get names or pictures. I will be back and I'll definitely do a follow up.

Amazing vibes !! Good selection on the menu!!…read more The staff is so kind and attentive Facility is clean and spacious Check em out Thanks

A fancy cocktail bar in the Montrose ish area. Great for a date night, or a girl's night out to…read moredress up and look cutesy, take pretty pics. Beautiful ambiance, very well designed. A very small parking lot, but mostly street parking in the neighborhood, be careful. Sometimes he has security gaurd working out front, which is nice for women to get to and from there cars at night. High prices $25ish cocktails, but also upscale so it's a little justified. The owner is wonderful, Laundry (sp). Nigerian American with lots of hospitality and bar experience. Very friendly and kind. It's fairly new. He has a brief signature cocktail menu. Of note he does not offer tap water at this time, if you need water with your cocktail you would have to buy bottled water. I don't know if that will change, or if that will be his standard moving forward, but wanted yall to know. The owner also bartends and he has employee bartenders as well. Drinks- I had the Sunlight whisperer first and then the Gold Standard. Both drinks were nice, more subtle flavors than I am use to. But I enjoyed them. We also had the popcorn and that was a nice bar snack. He does have events there sometimes. There was an Afro beatz happy hour on one Sunday in July but it was a ticketed event, which we didnt know we just showed up only to have to leave. You couldn't just show up. That's ok though. I love supporting black owned business, wishing this business and gentleman well!

By the Wayside is not just one of the best bars to open in the East End, but is one of the most…read morepopular bars to open in Houston recently! I love that I get the chance to call this my local neighborhood spot. I'll say this louder for the people in the back, but the East End is way too underrated! Just down Navigation Blvd from Boo's Burgers (shoutout to them), is the new craft cocktail bar, By The Wayside. What's not to love about this place?! Think relaxed but refined environment, beautiful artwork, live music, bar food featuring meat from Eastbound BBQ, and thoughtfully made cocktails. Sergio was my bartender my first couple visits here and nothing, but excellent service from him. Their matcha cocktail, "This Counts As Self Care," is creamy deliciousness. Otherwise, I've had well made classics like their old fashioned, daiquiri, and Southside. Honestly the world cup games lately have been an excuse to come here more often. It's so convenient that they have their own parking lot as well. Cheers to my favorite bar in the East End!

*New Bar Alert in East Houston*…read more By The Wayside Bar is tucked away on the East End of Navigation Blvd, and it's definitely a vibe. This bar + listening lounge has been transformed into a creative hub where live music meets local art. What I loved most? It gives after-work hangout energy, the kind of spot you pull up to with coworkers or friends to unwind. From their specialty cocktails to the beautiful outdoor patio featuring murals by local artists, it's the perfect mix of chill + curated. And yesssss FREE parking. If you're looking for a lounge with live music, good drinks, and a whole vibe, add By The Wayside Bar to your list. They checked all my boxes: Beautiful Space Friendly Staff Specialty Cocktails Spacious Outdoor Patio Plenty of Parking

Popped in tonight for a quick drink before our dinner reservation. We ordered the mint julep and…read morethe old fashioned. The old fashioned was a classic, smooth and easy to go down drink. The mint julep was a bit on the sweeter end, but still so refreshing! It was still pretty early in the night so it was very bright and I didn't feel like the ambiance had fully set in yet but I could see how this would be such a fun spot!

Loved it! This…read morecharming bar is located on Washington St. And the have valet (you just tip the staff member), the parking space is limited but you can also park behind and access through the back. The vibe is chill but classy, you can talk without the need to yell to be heard. Dimmed lights, cozy and intimate atmosphere, what's not to like?! They have bites and entrees, but I went for bites, the Margarita Pizza was delightful, thin crispy crust with fresh mozzarella cheese. Also got the baked Brie, I love Brie and it didn't disappoint, I just wished the bagged was toasted instead soft. I ordered a drink... PornStar Martini, and I really liked it, it was refreshing and slightly sweet. Our server was very attentive and helpful with the menu, her name.. Hope, she will make sure you had a great experience. Definitely coming back!

Love this little tiki bar in the Heights. You would never know from the front how fun it is inside!…read moreThe staff are helpful, and the vibes are perfect. All the drinks I tried were delicious! Love the tiki mugs!

I came here with some friends for after dinner drinks. It was very immersive. The tiki theme is…read moreamazingly on point. They had a lot of drinks that seems to be best if you shared a fish bowl style. They did look very exciting but we wanted to try more individual drinks. There is a QR code on the table and you go to the counter to order them. Sadly, the drinks were 50/50 on our table. The Spaceship Lullaby and Prickly Pear were misses. The Saturn and Portlight were great. This bar is def. good for a group hang out but it is a little loud. Parking is free but limited out front. If it looks like a small shop, you're at the right place.

Parking: Sucks like anywhere else in downtown Houston. I parked a few streets away on Texas St…read more which is free after 6PM. We got here at around 8PM on a Tuesday night, and all sat/stood near the bar. Drinks were made and served very promptly. The bartenders definitely know their stuff and there are some classic cocktails here that are popular in other cities like NYC. I saw the sign for their private barrel 9yr Elijah Craig ($11/oz at 130.5 proof) and had to give it a shot. Deliciously strong with vanilla notes and very, very sippable. No regrets, would definitely get it again. Overall, great spot for cocktails that's nice and quiet, I'd come back.

Husband and I decided to do a Friday Happy Hour at Houston Watch Co. Let me just say if you have…read morenot been here you MUST go. This place is load with history. This place is loaded with great people. This place is loaded with great bourbon. This place is loaded with great drinks at very great prices. As soon as walked in the bartender greeted us. We were told we needed to order at the bar but that we could sit anywhere. Houston Watch Co. has a downstairs bar surrounded by bar stools to sit. They also have an upstairs with lots of comfortable chairs and a few sofas. The lights are dim making this bar feel like a cozy speakeasy. The drinks are priced great and made to order. We parked at the Binz Garage and walked in a beautiful Friday afternoon in Houston. I highly recommend that you go and enjoy your time at the Houston Watch Co.